The most common question regarding renovating a condo is “how long does it take?”. With everything that has to go on pause during a renovation, the question is perfectly understandable. Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer; only estimations. The timeline of a condo renovation is dependent on many factors that influence it. In this blog, we’ll discuss these factors, give you a typical timeline breakdown, and the common reasons why a condo renovation might face delays.
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Typical Timeline Breakdown for a Condo Renovation
Most condo renovations follow a general sequence, but the timing can vary. Each step in the process builds on the one before, so delays at the start can affect the whole schedule.
- Planning and design: This stage includes budgeting, design decisions, and contractor selection. It usually takes two to six weeks.
- Approvals and permits: Condo board reviews and city permits can take anywhere from one to four weeks, sometimes longer.
- Demolition: Removing old fixtures, flooring, and cabinets typically takes one to two weeks.
- Rough-in work: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC updates often take two to four weeks depending on complexity.
- Installation and finishes: Cabinets, flooring, tile, paint, and fixtures are installed during this phase, which usually lasts three to six weeks.
- Final inspections and touch-ups: This final stage includes inspections, corrections, and cleanup, usually one to two weeks.
Read Also: Renovation Permit Toronto – Everything You Need to Know Before You Build
Factors Affecting Condo Renovation Timelines
There are several things that can affect how long it takes to renovate a condo, and some of them you can’t control. All of these things together decide how quickly or slowly your project moves.
- Scope of work: Small cosmetic updates take far less time than full kitchen renovation or bathroom remodels.
- Condo board approval: Many condos require approval before work begins, which can add weeks to the timeline.
- Permits and inspections: Structural, plumbing, or electrical changes often need permits and inspections.
- Contractor availability: Skilled contractors may be booked weeks or months in advance.
- Material availability: Custom cabinets, tiles, or fixtures can delay progress if backordered.
- Building rules: Restricted work hours, elevator bookings, and noise limits can slow things down.
Here’s a general idea of how long different types of condo renovations usually take. These timelines assume approvals and materials are already in place.
Type of Renovation | Estimated Timeline |
Minor cosmetic updates | 2 to 4 weeks |
Bathroom renovation | 4 to 6 weeks |
Kitchen renovation | 6 to 10 weeks |
Partial condo remodel | 8 to 12 weeks |
Full condo renovation | 3 to 5 months |
Common Reasons for Renovation Delays
Even with perfect planning and everything already in place, bumps and delays might still happen. Taking this into consideration when planning your original timeline reduces frustrations later on.
- Slow condo board approvals or unexpected rule changes
- Hidden issues discovered during demolition, such as plumbing or electrical problems
- Delayed materials or damaged deliveries
- Scheduling conflicts with trades or inspectors
- Changes to the design after work has started
Land Signal: Guiding Your Condo Renovation from Start to Approval
Land Signal helps condo owners navigate the planning, approval, and permit process to keep renovation timelines on track. Our team works closely with property owners, contractors, and condo boards to reduce delays and ensure compliance from the start. We assist with:
- Building permit applications for structural, plumbing, and electrical renovations
- Condo board submissions and documentation to meet building requirements
- Zoning and bylaw compliance reviews to avoid unexpected revisions
- Coordination with engineers and designers to ensure plans meet code standards
- Clear guidance on municipal regulations to prevent costly delays
Whether you are planning a minor update or a full condo remodel, Land Signal helps make the renovation approval process smooth, organized, and stress free.
Final Thoughts
How long does it take to renovate a condo? This depends on how big the project is and how complicated it is. It’ll take between a few weeks and several months. There are often rules, approvals and logistics specific to the condo that make these renovations take longer than expected. I believe if you plan well and communicate regularly, you should be able to keep your condo renovation on track and avoid most major surprises.
If you need consultation for your condo renovation, Land Signal offers free consultation with our managers. Contact us today.
FAQ
Remodelling a condo is different from working on a single-family home. Condos have shared walls, building restrictions and limited space. This means that when they are renovated, they need to be planned carefully and in a creative way.
Many builders and renovators already have long waiting lists, and the exact materials needed for construction can also take a while to arrive. So, plan the renovation months in advance instead of weeks, to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Minor renovations take 4-6 weeks, full renovations take 8-12 weeks, and major overhauls take 16+ weeks. Allow 2-4 weeks for planning and for the authorities to approve the permit. Condo work hours are usually only on weekdays, which makes things take longer.
Sources
- How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Condo?
CSGen Renovation — A detailed look at typical condo renovation timelines and factors that influence project duration.
https://csgrenovation.ca/blog/how-long-renovate-condo/ - GTA Condo Renovation Timeline
Goldenbee Condos — Blog outlining expected timelines for condo renovation projects in the Greater Toronto Area, including planning to completion.
https://goldenbeecondos.com/blog/gta-condo-renovation-timeline - Condo Remodeling: How Long Does a Condo Remodel Take?
Quay Construction — Guide to condo remodeling timelines with insights on scheduling considerations and project phases.
https://quayconstruction.ca/blog/condo/condo-remodeling-how-long-does-a-condo-remodel-take/
